‘Enough of Him’ by May Sumbwanyambe
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, co-production with the National Theatre of Scotland - 22/10/22
Staged in the new stunning studio theatre at Pitlochry this is a complex piece addressing the issue of slavery. Based on a radio play for Radio 4, written by May Sumbwanyambe, it addresses the historical narrative of Joseph Knight, bought into slavery from Jamaica by Sir John Wedderburn of Balindean around 1769. Inspired by the Somerset Case of 1772, on being arrested for marrying a servant of the house and perceived as a perpetual servant, after two appeals Knight won his claim to freedom. Nothing is known of him after that. Incidentally, the contentious statue of Henry Dundas celebrates a man who contributed to the preparation of his winning case. Their argument was “that no man is by nature the property of another and albeit under Jamaican law slavery was recognised but that could not extend to Scotland”.
However, this intelligent and dynamic piece of theatre addresses Knight’s prior relationship with John Wedderburn, who educated him, his relationship with Ann Thomson, a serving maid whom he married, and with Wedderburn’ s wife Margaret. With the use of a simple table, four chairs and a backdrop screen imitating a grand oil painting in an ornate golden frame the four protagonists play out the tensions and complicated hierarchy of the age. This piece is not simply a historical journey, but a human story with all the complexity of its time. Not only is Joseph a slave but so is local girl Ann Thomson, condemned to a life of servitude and punishment. Margaret Wedderburn is condemned to a life of doing her duty to produce an heir in what appears to be a loveless marriage. John Wedderburn is a product of an age of brutalised male dominance.
Each scene is carefully crafted to explore the characters’ place in history and understand that this happened prior to The Windrush Generation. Having commissioned and produced a play in Tilbury Docks Terminal some ten years ago, exploring this part of black history resonated with me.
The writing is spare, telling and just right. The performances are fully formed, moving and again just right. Omar Austin as Joseph develops his journey with admirable restraint and power. Catriona Faint plays ‘Annie’ Thompson, from a drudge at the outset but developing a smile as she connects with Joseph – it’s a strong performance and she sings delightfully. Rachel-Rose McLaren as Margaret Wedderburn is particularly moving as she offers to crawl like a slave ‘Bed Warmer’, only to be rejected. Mathew Pidgeon as John Wedderburn is powerful as his humanity has been supressed by his brutal regime in the Caribbean. The direction by Orla O’Loughlin wastes no time in moving the action around the square floor of the studio and composer John Pfumojena has written a score which perfectly captures the moods of the changing narrative.
This play truly has legs and if you can catch it on tour then don’t miss it. This is a writer to look out for.
In the writer’s notes he is planning further plays about black men in Scottish History. I can’t wait to see the one about Ira Aldridge. However, I would hope he could explore women as well. He writes a woman’s voice well. Incidentally, seen along with ‘Shirley Valentine’ earlier in the afternoon both pieces gave me the realisation that little has changed for the ordinary woman.
This production is touring to CatStrand, Castle Douglas, Platform Glasgow, Lanternhouse Cumbernauld, The Brunton, Musselburgh and Perth Theatre from 1 – 19 November.
